Muslim Leader Declares Interest in 'Flag of Allah' for Britain

Islam may be a peaceful religion, but most Westerners react adversely when they are told they should be dominated forcefully by that faith. A call by a jihadist leader “to see the flag of Allah over Downing Street” isn't supported by most Muslims.

The Weekly Standard in Great Britain covered this story, which was reiterated on other news sites and blogs. The Islamic militant Omar Bakri said he wanted the flag of Islam to dominate England, and apparently nothing has changed since then. Perhaps the majority of Muslims don't want expansion in that manner nor the notion of supremacy. On the other hand there appear enough who do, according to those reporting on the subject, to be concerned.

Anjem Coudary re-stated the notion of Islamic supremacy and dominance and specifically declared what he wanted. That included women wearing burkas and folks being caned for drunkenness. Coudary leads the sect of al-Mahajiroun, a group previously led by Omar Bakri, who was exiled from the country. This man proclaims himself a Sharia judge. Sharia is defined as Islamic religious. He admitted to organized protests in Luton recently where his followers waved placards referring to British soldiers as murderers. He declared that he has no problem being hated because offering an alternative morality sometimes produces hatred for the one making the offer. But this was the definition of that “alternative morality:”

“a pure Islamic state with Sharia law in Britain” and added: “Every woman, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, would have to wear a traditional burka and cover everything apart from her face and hands in public.”

“In matters to do with the judicial system and the penal code, one male witness is sufficient to counter the testimony of two females. People who commit adultery would be stoned to death.”

Interestingly enough while Mr. Coudary makes declarations of his faith dominating Great Britain and has the time to develop protest movements, he admits to living off British benefits as a father of three, stating, “I don't think it's of any importance.” His point of view, according to those who have assessed his intentions and Qur'anic admonitions because it is reported said the non-Muslims owe him jizya, a phrase cited per Qur'an 9:29. Perhaps that means getting welfare.

It could be argued, and often is, by Muslims that Christianity has attempted to dominate Islamic territories and impose its will as well. But history reveals that Islam is a global religion and has as its purpose expansion and domination. Whether that is now the focus is debated in the press and governments.

But are these British radicals not stepping out of the previous statements made by Islamic clerics that warn against the practice of demanding Shariah law be adopted by others and attempting to impose it? There is evidence to suggest that Coudary's statements are not supported by other clerics. For example, the Spectator wrote:

“Iraqi Shia Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of the world’s preeminent sharia authorities, teaches that, ‘If [a Muslim] has given [a non-Muslim government] a commitment — even if indirectly (as is implied in the immigration documents) — to abide by the laws of that country, it is necessary for him to fulfil his commitment.’ If they cannot do this, they should return to Muslim territory. “

The Spectator also found in surveys that the majority of Muslims in Great Britain don't want Shariah imposed. That is likely true of Muslims in the United States as well, although it is being debated. Radical statements, therefore, might need to be examined in the light of the vast population of Islam and its legitimate spokespeople while vigilance is taken to counter those extreme, as observed by those who continue to write on this topic.